Call and Response

A few weeks ago I saw my spiritual director. She recommended that I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I knew, in the way and moment that she recommended it that it would be a book I would not only love, but also really appreciate especially at this time in my life. I have only read the introduction. You know, the first part of the book where the author gives a little more background or personal information about the book you're going to read. I have only read the introduction and already tears are springing to my eyes. I know that this book will truly be a journey for me. Already I am reminded of why I love life...Journeys within Journeys, threads within threads, all twisting and mingling, weaving together to create a rich tapestry.

What is personal calling? It is God's blessing, it is the path that God chose for you here on Earth. Whenever we do something that fills us with enthusiasm, we are following our legend.

...We who fight for our dream suffer far more when it doesn't work out, because we cannot fall back on the old excuse: "Oh, well, I didn't really want it anyway." We do want it and know that we have staked everything on it and that the path of the personal calling is no easier than any other path, except that our whole heart is in this journey.

...If you believe yourself worthy of the thing you fought so hard to get, then you become an instrument of God, you help the Soul of the World, and you understand why you are here.

-Paulo Coelho

I have today and tomorrow off from work. I'm looking forward to enjoying this gorgeous weather, taking Lola on long walks, and reading this book.

Thank you for your support, prayers, love, thoughts, emails, joy, smiles, and memories. I have not given up this calling. I'm just taking a short sabbatical. And by sabbatical, I mean I will continue my search, my education. I will continue speaking, whispering, hoping...and maybe even my screaming at God as I continue to figure this whole "calling" thing out.